Boston Area’s Best Ice Cream Sundaes

In the winter Boston may be known for its cold and snow, but ironically we are also America’s ice cream capital. Bostonians eat ice cream all year round, but now that it’s summer, ice cream has become a weekly, if not daily, necessity. Not sure where to get the perfect sundae? Here are the Boston area ice cream shops you don’t want to miss.

Photo Credit: JP Licks

JP Licks 659 Centre St.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 524-6740www.jplicks.comJP Licks has been one of Boston’s favorite ice cream shop for over 30 years. Since opening in Jamaica Plain in 1981, this local treasure has been serving up soft serve and hard ice cream made from scratch. One of the best reasons to visit one of its many locations in the Boston area is because it features a different sundae every month.

While Middleton may be a bit of a trek from downtown Boston, Richardson’s Ice Cream is worth the drive. Richardson’s is a full dairy farm with its cows grazing right behind the storefront. Talk about fresh! In addition to a huge, delicious traditional sundae, it also offers hormone-free milk, cream, frozen yogurt and other dairy products. After enjoying a sundae, play a round of mini golf with the family or try out the batting cages.

Benson’s is another ice cream shop that is well off the beaten path. To visit this hidden gem, Bostonians have to venture 45 minutes north of the city, but it is a worthwhile adventure. The family-owned stand is bursting with small town charm in West Boxford. The ice cream doesn’t disappoint – in addition to being homemade, the berry ice cream flavors use produce from local farms. These fresh berries can also be added to any sundae when in season. Add local blueberries throughout August. Benson’s also makes an unparalleled ice cream soda (which, for you out-of-staters, is not the same as an ice cream float).Related:Best Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in the Boston Suburbs

Emack and Bolio’s is great for a post-work ice cream fix. With convenient locations throughout the city, it’s hard to pass up an Emack & Bolio’s sundae. Its homemade fudge is amazing, and this spot is always updating its menu with new “fantasy flavors.” And, for a unique departure from the traditional sundae, try out Emack & Bolio’s ice cream pizza. Emack & Bolio’s also makes its own sodas which adds to the fun, playful vibe of each of the shops.

It is impossible to have a list of the best ice cream sundaes in Boston without mentioning New England’s favorite: Ben & Jerry’s. Its gourmet flavors are perfect for ice cream connoisseurs. Ben & Jerry’s also boasts quite the sundae menu, including the Vermonster with 20 scoops of ice cream, a whole banana and all of the traditional sundae toppings: hot fudge, whipped cream and crumbled cookies and brownies. Better bring a few people to share it with!Related: Boston Area’s Best Ice Cream Stands

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston’s North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.